Simulation of a Solar Pond With a Stratified Storage Zone

Numerical simulation results are presented which compare performances between a conventional solar pond and a proposed solar pond configuration. The proposed pond maintains a stratified storage zone below the lower convecting zone of a pond. Addition of a stratified storage zone is shown to have two general results. First, ground losses are minimized, and second, higher process temperature levels can be accommodated. Additionally, the proposed configuration may result in a reduction of pond investment cost.